9/17/07 #1 - Does chewing gum make Migraines worse?

Full Question:I I would like to know is they say that chewing gum makes TMJ worse. But does that have anything to do with making migraines worse? If you chew gum could that be a trigger for those that get migraines? Joyce.

Answer:

Dear Joyce;

Interesting set of questions. Yes, prolonged chewing can cause increased TMJ pain, as you probably know. Certainly, TMJ and Migraines can have a relationship to each other as well in that TMJ can be a Migraine trigger. I don't know too much in the literature that suggests gum chewing Triggers Migraines, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does.

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